Frequently Asked Questions: Students

The process is explained in our brochure and on our website, but you begin by completing an application within the Application Center and providing documentation of your disability from a qualified professional.

Many things differ from high school to college. Not all students who received services in high school are eligible for services in college. Those who do qualify for accommodations/services may have some that are similar to those received in high school, while others may be quite different. Examples of reasonable accommodations at UA are listed in our brochure and may include scanned textbooks or the use of a tape recorder in the classroom.

We have documentation guidelines for you to provide to the professional currently treating you. It asks for the specific information required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The ADA guidelines require that your impairment represent a current substantial limitation to a major life activity, and in higher education, this major life activity is learning. After documentation is uploaded within the Application Center, you will receive an email notifying you of the next steps in the process.

Students with disabilities will be enrolled in the same classes as students who do not have disabilities. Eligible students will receive reasonable accommodations designed to provide equal access to their education. Course modifications do not occur at the University.

All students are able to apply for scholarships through the Office of Student Financial Aid and Student Employment. The Office of Accessibility has two scholarships available for students with disabilities. Information on those scholarships can be found here. 

Tutoring is available for all students at The University of Akron through Tutorial Services. Tutoring is not an accommodation provided specifically for students with disabilities.

Scheduling for classes is done by meeting with an advisor in the Academic Advisement Center or your degree- granting college. After you are admitted to The University of Akron, you will be required to attend New Student Orientation. During Orientation you will meet with an academic advisor who will help you select your classes. In future semesters you will meet with an academic advisor prior to scheduling. Your disability specialist from the Office of Accessibility will meet with you to talk about how your accommodations in the classroom will be applied.

Complete the steps outlined on the Office of Accessibility's placement testing page to request accommodations for the placement tests.